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It seems lately that I've been having a lot of problems with muscle cramps. Mostly my calves, but once or twice its been my hamstring. I feel like I'm adequately hydrated (about one bottle of water per hour riding, more if its hotter, less if I'm going slow) and eating a lot of bananas (in case its a potassium deficiency) but I still have this problem. Anything else you suggest trying?

I can totally relate to that. It happens to me quite often...most recently last weekend while racing.

The worst was cramping while driving home from the track after a tough workout. Imagine getting leg cramps like Nadal in the video above while trying to press the gas and brake pedals. I found a CVS and immediately downed lots of electrolytes.

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Originally Posted by gtrob

Roadies can run tempo all year as that's what humans were designed for. If you want to be a cheetah, lay around and lick your paws more.

I can totally relate to that. It happens to me quite often...most recently last weekend while racing.

The worst was cramping while driving home from the track after a tough workout. Imagine getting leg cramps like Nadal in the video above while trying to press the gas and brake pedals. I found a CVS and immediately downed lots of electrolytes.

Question - I'm fairly certain pro road racers are on average pretty short, or at least the ones I've seen. Does height pertain to track racing? If so, how?

Taylor Phiney

I once read an article [tried to find it but failed] on how tall riders effectively have a shorter distance to travel because their bodies are further inward on the track. Not so sure how much theory vs. reality it is though. If everyone else is short then drafting at 30mph realllllllly sucks - disadvantage

One thing that the commentators note is that the height range of the athletes in the pro peloton is very large from shortest to tallest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hairnet

Taylor Phiney

I once read an article [tried to find it but failed] on how tall riders effectively have a shorter distance to travel because their bodies are further inward on the track. Not so sure how much theory vs. reality it is though. If everyone else is short then drafting at 30mph realllllllly sucks - disadvantage

Could the cramping in the calves and hamstrings also have to do with pedal stroke? At my last workout my calves were getting tired and the coach said my cleats might be too far forward and I should lower my heel on the down stroke. He also said that during recovery periods you can pedal with your heel down all the way around and it will open up your hamstrings and let more blood get to them allowing for better recovery.

Could the cramping in the calves and hamstrings also have to do with pedal stroke? At my last workout my calves were getting tired and the coach said my cleats might be too far forward and I should lower my heel on the down stroke. He also said that during recovery periods you can pedal with your heel down all the way around and it will open up your hamstrings and let more blood get to them allowing for better recovery.

If your cleat is forward of normal then you will use your ankle a lot more. The calf muscle does this.

So, are your cramps localized to a particular muscle or all over? All-over cramps are probably an electrolyte thing. Local cramps might be a conditioning issue. When I cramp really bad it's in the legs, back, fingers, just about any muscle that I contract with force or if I fold my legs and the muscle shortens.

Have you set your cleat position to where you like it? Most people start with setting the cleat such that the pedal spindle goes under the ball of the foot, which is where we apply the most force.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gtrob

Roadies can run tempo all year as that's what humans were designed for. If you want to be a cheetah, lay around and lick your paws more.

I have some questions on jerseys and bibs. What brand(s)/model(s) do you prefer to use? Also why are Rapha things so expensive? Is the quality reflected in the price or are you also paying for a little bit of the name?

I have some questions on jerseys and bibs. What brand(s)/model(s) do you prefer to use? Also why are Rapha things so expensive? Is the quality reflected in the price or are you also paying for a little bit of the name?

If it helps any. I know a friend that has both Castelli and Rapha bibs, and he swears the Rapha bibs are sewn from the mane of a unicorn.

I have some questions on jerseys and bibs. What brand(s)/model(s) do you prefer to use? Also why are Rapha things so expensive? Is the quality reflected in the price or are you also paying for a little bit of the name?

All of the Castelli, Hincapie, and Specialized gear that I've worn or been issued via the team has been awesome. When using Voler, opt for the nicer chamois.

Rapha stuff is high quality...but not worth the price they are asking. It's worth probably half of their MSRP. Specialized probably has the best bang-for-the-buck quality with simple good looking style. Plus, you can find it at local shops to try it on before you buy it. Most of my non-team stuff is Specialized.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gtrob

Roadies can run tempo all year as that's what humans were designed for. If you want to be a cheetah, lay around and lick your paws more.

If it helps any. I know a friend that has both Castelli and Rapha bibs, and he swears the Rapha bibs are sewn from the mane of a unicorn.

I find that a lot of people add some mythical perceived value to Rapha stuff. Probably because it's expensive and rare to see or find. Sort of like some rare Campy wheels that seem to ride nicer than they really do.

Don't get me wrong, the Rapha stuff looks nice and is of high quality. But $220 for some black bib shorts? $210 for a black long sleeved jersey? If a guy bought 2 kits + socks and gloves, he's in for close to $1,000.

I'm not sure if that stuff is actually worth 150% of what the already high quality Specialized gear is worth.

Also, Gore Bike Wear is nice, too.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gtrob

Roadies can run tempo all year as that's what humans were designed for. If you want to be a cheetah, lay around and lick your paws more.

I find that a lot of people add some mythical perceived value to Rapha stuff. Probably because it's expensive and rare to see or find. Sort of like some rare Campy wheels that seem to ride nicer than they really do.

Don't get me wrong, the Rapha stuff looks nice and is of high quality. But $220 for some black bib shorts? $210 for a black long sleeved jersey? If a guy bought 2 kits + socks and gloves, he's in for close to $1,000.

I'm not sure if that stuff is actually worth 150% of what the already high quality Specialized gear is worth.

Also, Gore Bike Wear is nice, too.

He also mentioned that he would never buy Rapha gear despite how awesome it was. His current kit was given as a gift.

I have yet to switch to a bib. I almost never wear my cycling shorts as is.